White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced she will step down at the end of the month, revealing the demands of the high-profile job have become increasingly difficult to balance with raising her two young children.

Ms Leavitt confirmed her departure after US President Donald Trump broke the news on Truth Social, saying she would remain one of his closest advisers despite leaving the White House.

In a lengthy statement, Ms Leavitt described serving as press secretary for the past year and a half as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime”, reflecting on her time inside the West Wing and travelling alongside the President.

But she revealed that becoming a mother again while holding one of the most demanding positions in Washington had ultimately prompted her decision to leave.

“Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say the least,” she said.

“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”

Mr Trump paid tribute to one of his most prominent aides while announcing her departure.

“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” he wrote.

While Ms Leavitt is leaving her official White House role, she will remain firmly within Mr Trump’s political circle.

The President revealed she would become one of his “top outside advisors” and an influential Republican voice ahead of the US midterm elections.

“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” Mr Trump said.

Ms Leavitt confirmed the arrangement and made clear her departure would not mark the end of her involvement in Republican politics.

“President Trump has asked me to continue serving as a top advisor to him on the outside, and I will always remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party,” she said.

“My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over.”

Looking back at her time behind the White House podium, Ms Leavitt said she had taken pride in promoting the administration’s record and “relished holding the liberal media accountable”.

She thanked Mr Trump for entrusting her to speak on his behalf and for opportunities that included spending time in the Oval Office, travelling around the world and meeting foreign leaders.

Mr Trump described Ms Leavitt as “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office” and thanked her for her service.

Ms Leavitt also thanked First Lady Melania Trump, the Trump family, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and her colleagues before paying tribute to her husband and family for the sacrifices they had made during her time in the role.

Mr Trump has not yet announced who will replace Ms Leavitt behind the White House podium.